St. Mary's County, MD—The St. Mary's County Health Department (SMCHD) will host its third annual St. Mary's Goes Purple Walk for Recovery on September 14, 2024. Scheduled from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Leonardtown Square, this free event aims to support individuals recovering from substance use disorders, promote awareness, and fight the stigma associated with mental health and addiction issues.
The Walk for Recovery welcomes all members of the community, including local businesses, to participate and show solidarity with those in recovery. While registration is recommended, it is not required for attendance. Interested individuals can register online here.
In collaboration with various local organizations, including the Commissioners of Leonardtown, the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office, and the Leonardtown Volunteer Rescue Squad, the event will feature a variety of activities. Attendees can enjoy recovery poetry, lawn games, face and rock painting, music, and giveaways. Additionally, free training on the use of Naloxone/Narcan®, a life-saving medication used to counter the effects of opioid overdose, will be available.
Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary's County Health Officer, emphasized the importance of community support in battling addiction. "Addiction has affected the lives of many people in the St. Mary's County community," said Dr. Brewster. "We encourage everyone to participate in this event to show our community's support for those in recovery and to help reduce the stigma surrounding this disease."
This initiative is part of the broader Go Purple campaign, which seeks to end stigma and provide resources around mental health and substance use disorders. More information about the campaign and its resources can be found at smchd.org/gopurple.
The event promises not only to be a platform for raising awareness but also an opportunity for the community to engage in meaningful support, enhancing the collective response to addiction and recovery challenges in St. Mary's County.
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